As I ventured into the world of “Chants of Sennaar,” developed by Rundisc and published by Focus Entertainment, I was immediately struck by its profound exploration of themes such as communication, understanding, and the quest for common ground. In this captivating adventure, you assume the role of a nameless hooded traveler who awakens within the confines of a towering structure. As you step outside the tower, you’re greeted by a complex tapestry of societies, each dwelling in isolation, seemingly incapable of effective communication with one another. It becomes evident that the fate of these enigmatic societies rests upon your shoulders. You must decipher their languages through astute observation of context clues or by drawing parallels between one language and another.
Unlocking these languages is not merely an exercise in linguistic prowess; it is a gateway to understanding the customs, traditions, and deep-seated connections that bind these inhabitants. It falls upon you to bridge the gaps, uniting these disparate factions and revealing the profound commonalities that had remained obscured. Navigating the world of “Chants of Sennaar” demands an insatiable curiosity, and I became addicted to engaging with every character I encountered. With each new language deciphered, you unearth not only linguistic nuances but also profound philosophical variations, demonstrating the developers’ meticulous attention to detail in crafting these distinct languages, each rooted in real ancient tongues. The allure of uncovering every symbol and attaining true clarity became irresistible to me. This pursuit drove me to leave no stone unturned, I had to explore every nook and cranny, and engage in conversations with every possible character to gain a comprehensive understanding of the world I was inhabiting.
The puzzles within the game present both a cerebral challenge and a satisfying endeavor. Text and language-based puzzles may pose formidable obstacles at times, but they serve to reinforce the overarching goal of deciphering the game’s intricate narratives. Occasionally, “Chants of Sennaar” introduces stealth sequences that, while tense and effective in their own right, feel somewhat out of place within the game’s narrative. These moments, though functional, lack the engaging depth present in other facets of the game, seemingly inserted to break the rhythm and prevent monotony. One minor critique I had at times was the absence of a basic map system, especially in locales previously visited. Although, the game does compensate for this with well-placed signs that help navigate the world with ease.
Probably the thing that made you initially curious of the game, from the beginning, is its art design, it is absolutely gorgeous and truly steals the show. The use of a limited color palette, albeit highly saturated, imparts a strikingly vibrant and unique visual identity. Countless still shots within the game could effortlessly double as pieces of art adorning a gallery wall. The minimalist yet intricate aesthetics create a visual marvel, complemented by a beautiful soundtrack that expertly delineates the unique characteristics of each societal enclave, culminating in an impeccable presentation.
With a price point of just 20 dollars, “Chants of Sennaar” offers around 10 or so hours of gameplay, making it well worth its value. Its ability to weave a rich tapestry of communication and unity within a captivating world ensures that this game is an immersive experience well worth the investment. If you need more convincing, the game opens its arms to you curious souls with a readily available demo on the PlayStation Store, which should be enough to entice you to embark on a journey unlike any other.
8.5/10
Chants of Sennaar is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Epic Games Store and Steam.
Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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